Two Churches, Two Countries

Confucius once said: “When friends come from afar, how can one not be happy?” It is an honour for me on behalf of Uniting Church in Australia to welcome you Commissioner Mao and your delegation.

孔子讲到：有朋自远方来，不与乐乎？我很荣幸能代表澳大利亚联合教会欢迎您毛局长，和中国代表团。

I have been to China twice in 2013 and 2016. As a church organisation, our relationship with the TSPM and China Christian Council has been life-giving. We deem it of immense value. Our trips to China allowed us to experience China’s transformation as a nation, and recognize the important relationship between our two countries.

I have met with the SARA Vice Minister Mr Jiang (Jianyong) in Beijing on two occasions. I have appreciated the wisdom which he has shared in our discussions about strengthening the mutually enriching relationship between two churches and two countries.

在北京我有幸两次与国家宗教局蒋坚永副局长见面。我们共同交流如何加强互惠， 促进两个教会和两国的关系，我很欣赏他的智慧。

The most significant and practical element of this relationship has been in the area of elder care as you seek to build the capacity for a professional high-quality service for Chinese citizens.

其中最有意义，也是实际的合作方面，就是养老事业，因为你们正在努力提高该行业的整体能力，为中国公民提供高质量的专业服务。

The Chinese people have played a significant role in the development of Australia as a nation from the early 1800’s. It is fitting that we are here at this facility named after a prominent and well respected Chinese businessman (Mei Quong Tart)

华人在19世纪澳洲开发担当了重要的角色。 这个机构的命名就是为了纪念当年受人尊重的华侨商人梅先生。今天我们在光大养老院相聚还有意义。

China is a modern country connected deeply with its culture. Here in Australia we are connected with the First Nation Peoples with one of the oldest living cultures on the planet.

中国是一个现代化的国家具有悠久的文化。在澳洲我们与原住民和好，这个土地上的第一民族有着地球上最古老的文化。

I come from Darwin. In the First Nation Peoples communities of Northern Australia we have found Chinese artefacts. They predate the Indonesian trade of the 1500’s and so it appears a trading relationship existed well before this between our two peoples. I am glad this ancient trade route has been fully developed between China and Australia.